Reply #8: It sure would be nice if Dean weren't quoted out of context all the time [View All]

[KaraokeKarlton]

Yes, Dean was speaking about welfare recipients and made that statement, along with many others that fully explained his meaning. You can't honestly get a good idea of what someone is saying unless you see their quote/statement/speech in it's entirety rather than little snippets.

As a single mother who used to be on welfare myself...I agree with the statement entirely. The old Vermont welfare system used to be a trap, just as it was everywhere else in the country. Getting stuck in that trap does a real number on your self esteem. I don't think anyone can argue that fact.

Dean was saying that being on welfare causes low self esteem. If a person has something go wrong in their lives and find themselves having to go on welfare you do lose a lot of your self esteem. Once you've lost that it plays a big part in keeping you on welfare and out of the workforce. That's a huge part of the welfare trap.

I might also add that thanks to Dean's vision of welfare reform, I am no longer on welfare and haven't been for quite some time. I wasn't "kicked off" or forced to do demeaning type jobs. I met with a case manager and we spent about 4 hours discussing my goals, barriers, abilities, needs, etc. We came up with a plan designed specifically for me that addressed my person needs while helping me work towards my goals. Whatever help I needed, I got. Every barrier I had was immediately addressed and I got incredible support. This kind of welfare actually helps people reach long term/permanent independence. It's been wonderful and I'm very thankful for it.

All welfare reform is NOT created equal. Vermont's program works FOR welfare recipients, not with the goal of just kicking people off assistance.